Sheikh Hamdan launches Dubai’s R&D programme

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, has launched an research and development (R&D) programme in the emirate.

The Dubai R&D programme is based on four pillars – providing a roadmap and a governance model; setting top priorities for R&D; governing funding and investments, and increasing Dubai’s R&D expenditure and maximising the private sector’s engagement.

We have launched the Dubai Research & Development Program to create new economic opportunities and support strategic sectors in Dubai. R&D is key to achieving Dubai’s futuristic vision for a robust knowledge-based economy. pic.twitter.com/3bC2GdlqMb

— Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) September 13, 2022

The initiative aims to support key economic sectors and create opportunities for growth by offering a framework for research, development and innovation across the emirate, official news agency WAM reported.

The programme also supports the emirate’s future vision to create knowledge and innovation-driven solutions for local and global challenges, increase the private sector’s R&D activities and attract international companies to invest in Dubai.

Meanwhile, the programme’s four priorities across the emirate include health and well-being, environmental technology, smart built infrastructure, and space and augmented human-machine intelligence. The initiatives in these areas will be supported by the adoption of disruptive technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), big data, Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, robotics, drones, 3D printing, and others.

We also issued directives to establish a dedicated council comprising of national and global experts from the government, private and academic sectors to oversee the management of R&D projects and initiatives Dubai. pic.twitter.com/KB60GSgJ9s

— Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) September 13, 2022

“Maximising the private sector’s engagement in R&D is crucial to achieving our future goals in Dubai. Major economies and leading global cities have made great strides throughout history due to their focus on R&D. Therefore, boosting scientific and technological research is pivotal to achieving Dubai’s vision for the future economy,” Sheikh Hamdan said.

Sheikh Hamdan also directed the establishment of the “Dubai Research and Development Council”, which has the mission of overseeing the progress of the programme’s objectives in line with national strategies to enhance innovation.